Lean Six Sigma is a method used to improve the quality and efficiency of processes by reducing variation and eliminating wastes (non-value added activities) in an organisation. The concept of combining the principles and tools of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma has been discussed in the literature. The majority of Lean Six Sigma applications in private industry have focused primarily on manufacturing applications. The literature has not provided a framework for implementing Lean Six Sigma programmes in non-manufacturing or transactional processes like those in the Entertainment Media industry. The Saudi Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), like many other industries in Saudi Arabia, has high occupational safety risks, such as electric, fire and fall hazards which often occur in the media workplace. These risks are considered very costly and affect productivity and employee morale in general. The main objective of this research is to provide a synergistic approach to integrating occupational health and safety programmes and Lean Six Sigma tools using the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control) problem-solving method to strengthen and assure the success of safety programmes in the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). This research identifies the roadmap (i.e. activities, principles, tools, and important component factors) for applying Lean Six Sigma tools in the media industry. A case study addressing the safety issues that affect employees’ performance within the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) TV studio is used to validate work outlined in this research. Furthermore, the Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN) method is used to understand the probability occurrence of safety hazards. The application of the Taguchi Experimental Design method and other Lean Six Sigma tools, such as Cause and Effect diagrams, Pareto principles, 5S, Value Stream map, and Poka-Yoke have been incorporated in to this research. The application of Lean Six Sigma DMAIC problem-solving tools resulted in significant improvement in safety within SBC. The average electrical hazard incident decreased from 2.08 to 0.33, the average fire hazard incident decreased from 1.25 to 0.08, and the average fall hazard incident decreased from 3.42 to 0.17. The research has important implications for the company and its employees, with positive outcomes and feedback reported by top management, the senior technicians, and experts. The research improved the safety by reducing electrical, fire and fall risks. The Safety training sessions are one of the most significant factors that improve their safety awareness. It is observed that Lean Six Sigma problem-solving tools and methods are effective in the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).

This study investigates the implementation of Lean principles to Value Stream Mapping (VSM). The study also explores the benefits and challenges of applying VSM as a mapping model for preliminary work in the context of digitalization within assembly lines. Through a qualitative approach, including literature review and interviews, this research examines the integration of Lean principles with VSM as a framework to uncover and address inefficiencies at a large company assembly line. The study was done at a large enterprise (LE) located in Sweden. The findings highlight the potential benefits of the VSM such as being customizable. However, the study also identifies challenges to the VSM as it is missing important parts, such as systems that need to be covered in a digitalization process. This study found it to be a challenge when using VSM as a mapping tool in a complex assembly process and because of that could not identify any potential opportunities or deficiencies regarding the digitalization. The study also comes with suggestions for further research to explore contextual factors, develop implementation frameworks and investigate the long-term effects and sustainability of this integrated approach.

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Abstract ------------- Background ---------------- Like other businesses, the failures and problems faced by the software development industry over the time have motivated experts to look for software process improvement to create quality software rapidly, repeatedly, and reliably. Objective ------------ The purpose of this study is to evaluate if and how Lean thinking and principles primarily associated with auto manufacturing industry can be applied to software development lifecycle for Software Process Improvement (SPI). The secondary aim is to analyze how BPR can be integrated with Lean software development for process improvement. Method ---------- A derived Lean-BPR adoption pattern model is used as a theoretical framework for this thesis. The seven Lean software development principles along with four-step BPR process are selected as process improvement patterns, which effects the KPIs of a software organization. This research study incorporates both Qualitative and Quantitative methods and data to analyze the objectives of this study. The methodological framework of Plan-Do-Check-Act is used in the case study to implement process re-engineering incorporating Lean and BPR principles. The impact of adopting the Lean and BPR principles is assessed in terms of cost, productivity, quality of products and resource management. Results ---------- Application of Lean and BPR principles for software process improvement in the organization under study resulted in 79% improvement in test coverage, 60% reduction in time for test execution and analysis and 44% reduction in cost for fixing defects that were being passed to customer in past. Conclusion ------------- Based on case study results, it can be concluded that Lean, a bottom up approach, characterized by empowerment of employees to analyze and improve their own working process can be effectively combined with IT centric traditionally top down BPR approach for improving KPI’s and software processes. / +45 40968458

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Lean production and Lean philosophy have been developed, studied and implemented over the world since it was know from Toyota Production System. International manufacturers/OEMs have more or less developed their own Lean production systems. Over the years, arising challenges from new technology and internationalization have force the OEMs to understand and evaluate the design of supply chain to support their lean production system, and to manage the SC and compete as a whole against other supply chains. When apply Lean principles to the level of Supply Chain, coordination is an essential element to success. Today, researches have been done on joint efforts on decision making among supply chain actors, and applying Lean tools such as VSM on an extended level, namely a supply chain. Whereas the methods to improve SC coordination when implementing Lean through SC remain undeveloped. By interviewing Lean supply chain experts, experienced personnel in Supply Chain Management, and Lean experts from various organizations, a methodology to identify and visualize the improvement areas in supply chain coordination was designed. The methodology was then tested in a European OEM’s supply chain. Value Stream Mapping, as the base, was adapted to support identification and visualization of improvement areas in supply chain coordination. Several misalignments in the SC coordination were found in the current state, then visualized in current state map and approved by various SC actors. The methodology was then improved according to the process of testing. The purpose of this thesis is to develop a methodology to identify and visualize the improvement areas in (manufacturing) supply chain coordination within a Lean perspective.

The purpose of this study is to investigate how material flows can be more efficient through the conversion from a functional-layout to a cellular-layout. The study wants to clarify how the production layout conversion can be used by organizations who are currently utilizing the functional production layout to become more efficient. For organizations to invest time and money, they must comprehend how the investment decreases waste, and the important aspects for their decision. To fulfill the purpose two research questions (RQ) are formed, these are: RQ1: What factors impact the decision between functional and cellular layout? RQ2: How can the material flows become more efficient through the conversion from a functional-layout to a cellular-layout? To answer the research questions, a case study was conducted at an organization within the automotive industry. Moreover, the method first used was a preliminary investigation to get a broader understanding of the research area. When the field of study was established, the data collection was accomplished by interviews, observations, and document studies. Moreover, a literature review was done to build a theoretical foundation and to answer one of the research questions. The case company is an organization producing in a high-cost country currently using the functional production layout. The findings of the study suggest what is impacting the decision when converting from a functional production layout to a cellular production layout, it is especially four dimensions that must be taken into consideration, these are: type of production system, production flow, product variation and volume. Further on, the case study suggests that the conversion from a functional to a cellular production layout can reduce the travel distance for the product family by 38.8 %, reduce the lead time by 24.2 % and reduce the amount of forklift lifts needed for the product family by 66.7 % at the case company. Moreover, the implications highlight and elaborate on the benefits of a production layout conversion for increasing the efficiency of material flows within a producing organization which utilizes the functional production layout. It sheds further light on how advantageous it may be to an organization when it comes to align with lean manufacturing concepts. The study offers organizations with a functional production layout an understanding of what they need to consider when and if they intend to move from a functional to a cellular production layout, thus the study gives evidence confirming the difference between the two different layouts regarding efficiency. The limitation of the study is results of the material flows improvements, since the results might be greater at the case company in comparison to other organizations using functional production layout. The study only conducts one case study, which means that the results are not necessarily generalizable. Therefore, it could be necessary to replicate the study in other organizations and contexts to see if the same results can be reached. / Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur materialflöden kan bli mer effektivt genom konvertering från en funktionell layout till en cellulär layout. Studien vill förtydliga hur produktionslayoutkonvertering kan användas av organisationer som idag använder den funktionella produktionslayouten för att bli mer effektiva. För att organisationer ska kunna investera tid och pengar måste de förstå hur investeringen minskar slöseri, samt vilka aspekter som är viktiga för deras beslut. För att uppfylla syftet bildas två forskningsfrågor, dessa är: Forskningsfråga 1: Vilka faktorer påverkar beslutet mellan funktionell och cellulär layout? Forskningsfråga 2: Hur kan materialflödena bli effektivare genom konvertering från en funktionell layout till en cellulär layout? För att besvara forskningsfrågorna genomfördes en fallstudie på en organisation inom fordonsindustrin. Den första metoden som användes var dessutom en förundersökning för att få en bredare förståelse av forskningsområdet. När studieområdet inrättats skedde datainsamlingen genom intervjuer, observationer och dokumentstudier. Dessutom gjordes en litteraturgenomgång för att bygga en teoretisk grund och för att svara på en av forskningsfrågorna. Fallföretaget är en producerande organisation som producerar i ett högkostnadsland och som för närvarande använder den funktionella produktionslayouten. Resultaten av studien tyder på vad som påverkar beslutet vid konvertering från funktionellt produktionsupplägg till en cellulär produktionslayout. Det är i synnerhet fyra dimensioner som måste beaktas, dessa är: typ av produktionssystem, produktionsflöde, produktvariation och volym. Vidare tyder fallstudien på att omvandlingen från en funktionell till en cellulär produktionslayout minska transportsträckan för produktfamiljen med 38,8 %, minskar ledtiden med 24,2 % och minskar antalet gaffeltruckslyft som behövs för produktfamiljen med 66,7 % hos fallföretaget.  Dessutom framhäver och förklarar fördelarna med en produktionslayoutkonvertering för att öka effektiviteten av materialflöden inom en producerande organisation som använder den funktionella produktionslayouten. Det belyser ytterligare hur fördelaktigt det kan vara för en organisation att anpassa sig efter lean manufacturing ideologin. Studien ger organisationer med en funktionell produktionslayout en förståelse för vad de behöver tänka på när och om de har för avsikt att gå från en funktionell till en cellulär produktionslayout, därför ger studien bevis som bekräftar skillnaden mellan de två olika layouten gällande effektivitet. Studiens begränsningar gäller resultat av materialflödesförbättringarna, då resultaten kan vara bättre hos fallföretaget jämfört med andra organisationer som använder funktionell produktionslayout. Studien innehåller endast en fallstudie, vilket gör att resultaten inte nödvändigtvis är generaliserbara. Därför kan det vara nödvändigt att återskapa studien i andra organisationer och sammanhang för att se om samma resultat kan uppnås.

<p>Syftet med detta examensarbete är att undersöka möjligheterna för utökad kundnytta och kvalitetssäkra implementeringsprocessen av elektroniskt informationsutbyte (EDI). Detta uppnås med kvalitetsutveckling som grund, vilket omfattar processorientering.</p><p>Rapporten inleds med en beskrivning av arbetets syfte och vilka problem som står till grund. Vidare introduceras företaget som uppdragsgivare och relevant teori tas upp, detta för att bilda en referensram inför de metoder som använts för att förbättra processen. Slutligen så presenteras resultaten och en diskussion hålls kring detta, med vidare rekommendationer för fortsatt utveckling.</p><p>EDI processen har visualiserats dels med hjälp av akademiska litteraturer och dels från empiriskt material. Visualiseringen av processen har bildat en översikt av dess brister och problemområden (bland annat tidsfördelningen utmed processen och grunden till låg kvalitetsstandard), vilket har gett möjligheter till effektiva lösningsförslag för vidareutveckling. De främsta verktygen som har använts för visualiseringen är processkartläggning och värdeflödesanalys (VSM). I Rapporten presenteras dessutom ett avsnitt om ledningsstruktur för att underlätta processorientering och en allmän beskrivelse om själva EDI tekniken med avsikt att sprida kunskap.</p><p>Examensarbetet bidrar med processkartor för EDI processen, lösningsförslag för identifierade problemområden och rekommendationer för fortsatt utveckling.</p> / <p>The aim of this master’s thesis is to examine the possibilities of increased customer value and to ensure quality for the implementation process of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This will be achieved with quality development as a foundation, which consists of process orientation.</p><p>The report will initially describe the purpose of the master’s thesis and what problems that are the reason behind it. Following is a short description of the company who has requested the job and necessary theories are presented, in order to build a foundation for the upcoming methods that have been used. Finally there will be a presentation of the results and a discussion will be held around the subject, with further recommendations for continued development.</p><p>The EDI process has been visualized partly with the help of academic literature and partly trough empirical data. The visualization has established an overview of the process with its flaws and weaknesses (inter alia the distribution of time throughout the process and reasons for low quality), which enables suggestions for effective solutions. The foremost tools that has been used for this purpose is the process mapping and the Value Stream Mapping (VSM). The report also presents a segment about management structure in order to facilitate the process orientation and a general description about the EDI technology in order to distribute knowledge.</p><p>The master’s thesis contributes with maps for the EDI process, suggested solutions for identified problems and recommendations for continued development.</p>

Syftet med detta examensarbete är att undersöka möjligheterna för utökad kundnytta och kvalitetssäkra implementeringsprocessen av elektroniskt informationsutbyte (EDI). Detta uppnås med kvalitetsutveckling som grund, vilket omfattar processorientering. Rapporten inleds med en beskrivning av arbetets syfte och vilka problem som står till grund. Vidare introduceras företaget som uppdragsgivare och relevant teori tas upp, detta för att bilda en referensram inför de metoder som använts för att förbättra processen. Slutligen så presenteras resultaten och en diskussion hålls kring detta, med vidare rekommendationer för fortsatt utveckling. EDI processen har visualiserats dels med hjälp av akademiska litteraturer och dels från empiriskt material. Visualiseringen av processen har bildat en översikt av dess brister och problemområden (bland annat tidsfördelningen utmed processen och grunden till låg kvalitetsstandard), vilket har gett möjligheter till effektiva lösningsförslag för vidareutveckling. De främsta verktygen som har använts för visualiseringen är processkartläggning och värdeflödesanalys (VSM). I Rapporten presenteras dessutom ett avsnitt om ledningsstruktur för att underlätta processorientering och en allmän beskrivelse om själva EDI tekniken med avsikt att sprida kunskap. Examensarbetet bidrar med processkartor för EDI processen, lösningsförslag för identifierade problemområden och rekommendationer för fortsatt utveckling. / The aim of this master’s thesis is to examine the possibilities of increased customer value and to ensure quality for the implementation process of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This will be achieved with quality development as a foundation, which consists of process orientation. The report will initially describe the purpose of the master’s thesis and what problems that are the reason behind it. Following is a short description of the company who has requested the job and necessary theories are presented, in order to build a foundation for the upcoming methods that have been used. Finally there will be a presentation of the results and a discussion will be held around the subject, with further recommendations for continued development. The EDI process has been visualized partly with the help of academic literature and partly trough empirical data. The visualization has established an overview of the process with its flaws and weaknesses (inter alia the distribution of time throughout the process and reasons for low quality), which enables suggestions for effective solutions. The foremost tools that has been used for this purpose is the process mapping and the Value Stream Mapping (VSM). The report also presents a segment about management structure in order to facilitate the process orientation and a general description about the EDI technology in order to distribute knowledge. The master’s thesis contributes with maps for the EDI process, suggested solutions for identified problems and recommendations for continued development.

Diplomová práce se zabývá problematikou zvyšování produktivity pomocí metody štíhlé výroby zvané Lean. V dnešní době je potřeba udržet si přízeň zákazníka a finanční prosperitu firmy. Právě štíhlá výroba se zaměřuje na spokojenost zákazníka a na zvýšení finančního přínosu firmě, tím, že se snaží odstranit plýtvání, která se vyskytují v procesu. Lean Six Sigma je metoda, která se zaměřuje na spokojenost zákazníka (Lean) a na zdokonalování procesů (Six Sigma). Jejím cílem je zvýšit kvalitu a zároveň snížit náklady a dobu dodání. První část diplomové práce se zabývá nástroji štíhlé výroby a detailně popisuje metody, které budou použity v praxi. V praktické části diplomové práce byly využity nástroje Lean Six Sigma především metoda DMAIC, která je označována za systematický přístup k řešení problémů. Skládá se z pěti částí: definování, měření, analýza, zlepšení a kontrola.